NOTE: WE HAVE ADDED APRIL 1ST AS A MAKEUP DAY FOR OUR RAINED OUT MARCH 18TH DATE – REGISTER NOW!
We are proud to announce our 2012 Photography Workshop series in Scottsdale, AZ! Before continuing, please take the time to REGISTER for your date by using the link below:
1) To register for the Mike Maez Photography Workshop, please follow this link and select the “VOUCHER” option along with your desired date:
–>> WORKSHOP REGISTRATION <<–
Once you have registered and input your Voucher number, you will NOT be required to pay. This registration process is necessary to determine whether or not we need to add additional dates. If you have any additional questions regarding your Groupon, please refer to the information below, or contact us directly at anytime using the CONTACT link on the upper right corner of this page. Thanks again and I look forward to meeting everyone!
One of the things that people frequently ask me is how I learned photography. For those of you who may have also read the About section of my website, you’ll know that I have never taken a photography class, but have lectured previously at the Walter Kronkite School of Journalism at ASU on the subject. The transition from hobbyist shooter to full-time professional was not an easy road, and I chose to get my degree in Business and Communication rather than take any photography courses in high school or college. Now, that is not to say there were no classes or opportunities for me during this time, but the reason I chose not to take any formal classes was actually quite simple. The reason was…digital.
I’ve never owned a film camera and I never really got into shooting film. I started with digital photography in 2001, and by 2003 when the Canon EOS10D and Canon Digital Rebel were first announced I jumped right into DSLR technology and never looked back. Through countless nights spent researching the fundamentals of photography on the internet, followed by endless amounts of “field testing” and bringing my camera everywhere with me at all times, it wasn’t before long when I started to meet other photographers and began pushing the boundaries of creativity and light. I truly believe that in today’s world the best methods for learning photography are not in a formal classroom or even behind a computer screen. The best way is to actually be out in the field shooting and enjoying the craft with other like-minded or up and coming photographers who are willing to help and inspire.
It is with this idea in mind, along with the evolution of some one-on-one mentoring sessions and more recent group sessions that I have done, that I introduce the Mike Maez Photography Workshop.
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This is an awesome interactive workshop that is a 100% hands-on live shooting experience with real people and real cameras in real life. Again, there is NO better way to learn photography than to actually be out doing everything hands-on, and of course I’ll provide some instruction and direction along the way. I am very excited to be in a position where I can really share as much as I can about a subject that I am so passionate about, so if you’ve ever even considered doing a photography workshop, I’ll do my absolute best to make this worth your while! That being said – here are the all important details:
LOCATION:
SkySong Center
1475 North Scottsdale Road (at the intersection of Scottsdale and McDowell Road)
Scottsdale, Arizona 85257
workshops AT mikemaez.com
DATES:
Saturday – March 10th, 2012
Sunday – March 11th, 2012
Sunday – March 18th, 2012
Saturday – March 24th, 2012
TIMES: WORKSHOP from Noon to 4pm // SHOOTOUT from 4 to 5PM
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE CLASS:
Our class starts off with what most people would consider “Photography 101″ where I teach the basics of camera usage and technique. Once you know how to use your camera, we’ll immediately jump into a live photoshoot for a demonstration of what the various modes and settings will do. When the live demo is complete, I’d love for everyone in attendance to jump right in and start shooting! We will have models on site at the venue for some additional live learning, and it is here that you can really start to understand the intricacies of your gear as well as photography. We’ll conduct these in coordinated sessions where I’ll give on-site instruction for attendees on some of my unique tips and tricks for making beautiful images that you can apply directly on location! We will go back and forth from the informal classroom setting to shooting – a process that will continue for several hours, when we’ll do a mid-afternoon break for any one-on-one questions from attendees.
After the break we will work on what it takes for people to take their work to the next level with lighting, composition, and style. We will dive right into the heart of creativity and light, two things that simply must be learned in order to further yourself as a photographer. Live (tethered) shooting from yours truly will demonstrate our lighting and contrast control in much more detail, which are two of my signature elements for my personal shooting style. Lighting both on and off the camera will be covered, as well as tips and tricks for wireless triggering, light control and manipulation, and creative usage.
We will wrap up the afternoon by proving the opportunity to spend some quality time shooting with the outstanding backdrops of SkySong and our amazing models during a half-hour Photo Shootout! Here you will take all the techniques that I demonstrated throughout the afternoon and you’ll apply some of your own inner creativity to start (or build) your own portfolio for the day. This is your time to shine and we will be walking around giving as much advice as possible until we close out the day. My goal is that you take away not only a wealth of knowledge and experience all jam-packed into an awesome day of learning and photographing, but that you have a blast doing it! There will be a few surprises thrown in and we will also be giving away some great prizes from our sponsors, so make sure you’re in til the very end – it will be worth it!
WHAT TO BRING TO THE CLASS:
Two things: yourself and your camera! There is a heavy emphasis on DSLR usage and functionality, but any camera that has a full manual mode will do! It would be greatly preferred that you familiarize yourself with the buttons and functions of your camera beforehand, and if you are still not sure what to make of it all please bring your camera’s manual so that we can further assist you on the day of the workshop. One other thing that I highly, highly encourage is a 50mm prime lens, whether it is a 50 1.2, 50 1.4, or 50 1.8 the control of aperture is best learned from this standard prime for many photographers. Any lighting accessories, camera gear, or additional items are welcome and can likely be put to good use, especially during the shootout. Feel free to bring your tablet, laptop, etc if you would like, but they are not required.
WHAT DOES IT COST:
- $550 covers the 4-hour hands-on Photography Workshop as well as the 1 hour Photography Shootout
HOW DO I REGISTER?
>>WORKSHOP REGISTRATION<<
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):
- Will David Spade, Jon Heder, and Rob Schneider be present at the workshop?
- Sadly, no. However, I would be happy to explain exactly how I produced this image of the three of them on a very tight deadline on a closed promotional set!
- What skill level does the workshop teach to?
- Many of the techniques covered during our photography workshop will apply to all skill levels. We start with the basics of camera usage at the beginner level and eventually move towards more intermediate photography concepts, so the workshop applies most the beginner/intermediate level. We will close out the day with some advanced techniques, but this is NOT an advanced workshop.
- Are reservations required or can I show up on the day of and pay at the door?
- Reservations are required! We do this to provide the absolute best experience for every attendee.
- What if I do not have a camera, will there be loaner equipment available?
- Unforunately, no however if you do not have a DSLR or a camera that does not have a full manual mode, we highly recommend the folks over at borrowlenses.com for all your camera rental needs.
- Do you offer an Advanced Photography Workshop?
- Yes! Our Advanced Photography Workshop is a 1-on-1 photography, marketing, and business bootcamp that goes above and beyond the concepts of even the Intermediate Class and into the realm of being a successful photographer. Here I will explore the business and marketing side so that you not only become a great photographer, but a successful one. I will discuss pricing, marketing, branding, customer service, products and fulfillment, online strategies, social media and MORE. Email me for additional details as well as pricing and available dates.
- Can I buy more than one Workshop?
- Since all four workshops we are hosting in Scottsdale are taught to the same skill level, we would not recommend purchasing more than one workshop, unless it is a gift.
- Can I buy a Workshop as a gift for a friend (or two, or three)?
- Yes! What better gift for your friend, uncle, dad, mom, or anyone you know who is looking to become a better photographer!
- Are there any age restrictions for any of your Workshops?
- We would prefer that there be no young children present as we cannot guarantee their safety and supervision in any way. Therefore we do recommend that the Workshops be limited to those 12 years of age and older. A chaperone is not a problem as long as that person in no way actively participates in the Workshop. If that person will be participating in any way, he or she will need to purchase a Groupon.
- What is the maximum # of people in each class?
- Currently we have all dates capped at 150 participants, although it will likely be less than that depending on your date of choice. This is largely dependent upon the total number of Groupons sold, so we do not yet have any accurate figures.
- I have a regular point and shoot style camera, will this be sufficient for either Workshop?
- We strongly recommend the use of DSLR’s , however any camera with a FULL manual mode will do. To make the most out of your experience, however, it is highly recommended to bring, borrow, or rent a DSLR.
- I am not sure if I have a Point and Shoot (P&S) style camera or a DSLR, can you tell me which is which?
- In the simplest of terms, a P&S style camera does NOT have interchangeable lenses, where a DSLR does, although there is much more to it than that, this is usually the easiest way to distinguish between the two.
- Do you have any suggestions on what kind of camera and lens I should rent if I do not have a camera or only have a P&S camera?
- Sure thing! I recommend the following Camera: http://www.borrowlenses.com/product/canon_bodies/Canon_XSi and Lens: http://www.borrowlenses.com/product/canon_standard/Canon_50mm_1.8
- I am currently looking to buy a new camera just in time for your workshop, what do you recommend as the most economical camera that will make the most of my photography skills?
- The Canon Rebel T3 is the most reasonably priced DSLR that I can truly recommend, and is something that will last far longer than any point and shoot would. It is available locally at most Best Buy stores, or online from my favorite retailer here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/753766-REG/Canon_5757B002_EOS_Rebel_T3_Digital.html
- Are these classes geared towards wedding photography specifically?
- Not necessarily. Although I have a strong background with wedding photography, I have also worked many years as a photojournalist for many large corporations. The workshop tends to focus more on general photographic principles and technique, and really getting the best picture possible from any situation or subject. The emphasis will be more on portraiture and lighting if I had to really generalize it, but most importantly, I would love for every single person in attendance to come away a better photographer, no matter the subject
- Is this an indoor or outdoor Workshop?
- All workshops are a combination of indoor/outdoor, and weather permitting I would love to have as much real world shooting as possible outdoors. The unique and beautiful design of SkySong goes without saying, although if the weather does not play nice we can transition most of the events to indoor locations at the venue.
- Will the Workshop still happen if it rains?
- Yes, all Workshops are rain or shine, and we will be able to improvise if shooting conditions are not ideal for a large amount of outdoor shooting.
